Pastepaper Papierglyphs 4

10 collages finished on the paste paper, worked on the whole month of May. Here is a little video of the results.The series is called "Light of the Earth, primary arithmetic". 

 

The inspiration came from a recent discovery of petroglyphs in Chauvet Cave in France that are dated to 32,000 BC, a Xultun calendar and a 1877 Primary Arithmetic book.

1st Mothers Day

On May 12, 1914 the first Mothers Day was celebrated. Abraham Lincoln's sentiment about his mother is one that I share;

 “All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother. I remember her prayers, and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.” 

To mothers everywhere, tomorrow, thank you.

O'Brien, Each Day in the Year of the Fire Dog #104

It is interesting that in China, on the 12th, the birth of the Goddess of Midwifery is celebrated, and it is also the International Nurses Day, birthday of Florence Nightingale.

First Tribal Monday

John and I initiated our discussion circle yesterday. With no agenda planned, our 2 hour allotment stretched to 3 with non stop talk easily flowing from one topic to the next. John is an astute listener. His range of expertise is astounding. He is a warm human being, collage artist, graphic designer, writer and so much more.

Mere Habitation, collage by John Dixon

This makes me the lucky recipient of his responses and critiques. These discussions are going to fill a gap that has been needing to be filled. To have the observation and encouragement from such an accomplished artist chases the loneliness out of the studio.

Petals a'plenty

People are surprised to learn the petals in my collages are the real thing, and ask why I add them.

I love flowers, their inherent qualities speak to me on many levels.

Flowers literally speak to me.

poppy petals, before and after pressing

Granted, not all the time - just when I am silent, and when I ask them to speak up so in my density I might lighten up to their joyful fragility.

The consciousness of a flower is the essential ingredient in the production of a flower essence, a subtle energy remedy. The fragrance of essential oils of Neroli, Rose or Jasmine send me to an incomparable place of comfort.

A calm day's view across the garden causes me to simply gaze at natures perfection for as long as possible. They are  food for the soul - there must always be a vase of flowers on the table along with a bowl of salad with violets, arugula flowers, stuffed squash blossoms.

Is there anything more ephemeral?

Just as the lilacs fade along come the Iris, Royal Lilies, Morning Glories - each one taking the place of the former so i don't feel lonely in the missing.

They remind me of the profound lessons of the seasons and directions we face in our evolutionary continuation of life and what we will let go of.

Most importantly flowers serve the Bees.

Kentucky Derby 138 and more

This years post time for the Run for the Roses is 6:24 p.m. ET. the Rose Blanket refereed to in the name of the race is lovingly made of 564 red roses by our grocery store, Kroger. It takes them all the night before the race. In 2006 when this postcard project was created the first Saturday in May was the 6th and Barbaro won.

Each Day in the Year of the Fire Doy # 98

AND May 5 is a favored day for celebrating Boy's Day in Japan carp flags are flown, in ancient Roman times it was the feast of Roses - Rosalia, and of course, Cinco de Mayo.

Each Day in the Year of the Fire Doy #97 front

Each Day in the Year of the Fire Doy #97 back

Celebrate this and every day!

Pastepaper Papierglphs 3

To follow up on a previous post video this one shows some drawing over 4 of the paste papers shown before. Using Caran D'Ache watercolor pencils and crayons, and prismacolor pencils puts me in the mood of

1. the joy of coloring" as a child 
2. being a primitive artist like the ancient artists I emulate here

As I was drawing I realized a stick must have been the original mark making tool, 

either by burning the end to create charcoal 

or to dip into paint. 

This lead me to deepen my love of the pencil, 

a modern art stick.  

The simplicity of it is so appealing.

The Art List Artist of the Month of May

Unexpected awards are a big motivator to keep creating. This one was especially welcome during my favorite month of the year.

The Art List banner on their Facebook page for May 2012

Creating the collage of images for their Facebook page is a new benefit they have started. They publish an interview and image gallery accessed from their home page The Art List. They have hundreds of opportunities for visual artists and photographers. Contact me if you want me to send their recent newsletter to you.